AS/A Level Psychology

A Level Psychology

Why choose Psychology?
Psychology is all about the study of human behaviour: in effect, what makes us tick. Based on this idea it would seem nonsensical for anyone not to have an understanding of why we behave as we do.


Teaching and Learning Styles
We aim to provide an integrated and practical approach to the discipline wherever possible and cover areas such as how we learn and remember as well as observational and experimental techniques. Other topics include what makes us conform or obey, how we react to stress and how we develop into the people we see ourselves as being. All these areas and others, such as the development and understanding of psychological illnesses in the form of schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and depression, are covered in the syllabus.

Applied issues are also considered at both AS and A2 level. Eye-witness testimony, the effects of day care on children, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, as well as stress management strategies, are all areas of study aimed to provide students with a working knowledge of psychology.

The aim is to prepare those 'bitten by the Psychology bug' to advance into the second year with a good framework of understanding for the subject, where the issues covered in the first year will be expanded upon and added to new areas of study from the discipline. Those who decide not to take Psychology beyond AS level will have acquired a body of knowledge relating to the workings of human behaviour that will prove a valuable asset for any future career.


Assessment
Four modules, two at AS and two at A2. The AS modules are Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods and Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences.


Progression Opportunities
A level Psychology is now widely accepted as a subject suitable for those entering into medicine or any of the caring professions. It is also useful for those wishing to pursue a career in law; social work or the probation service; as well as the more traditional areas of teaching, or educational, applied, forensic and clinical psychology. For Business Studies students considering a career in Human Resources Psychology as a subject is invaluable.